Risks Involved in Rx-to-OTC Switching

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Risks involved in Rx-to-OTC switching Apart from the benefits described above, a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the Rx-to-OTC switch movement should also contain a critical examination of potential risks and disadvantages associated with the reclassification of drugs. Importantly, the usage of OTC drugs heavily depends and relies on consumers' ability to appropriately self-diagnose and self treat (Pawaskar 2007; Stitching AESGP Foundation 2002). In general, greater accessibility to self-medication lacking medical supervision harbours dangers and risks of incorrect use, a delay of diagnosis, and/or masking underlying serious conditions and thus the potential for causing individual harm (Brass 2001; Ferner 2008; Pawaskar 2007). Appropriate strategies for tackling these potential risks should continuously be developed (Ferner 2008). This is of major importance especially in light of emerging evidence that the public no longer assigns the same amount of respect to the potency of an OTC drug as compared to an Rx drug. Drugs which are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of illness such as ain can induce pleasurable feelings when taken in the absence of the disease and this rewarding feeling can lead to the repeated use of the substance. OPPORTUNITIES People are relying more on OTC products these days which is ultimately leading to elevation in number of opportunities. Many initiatives are taken by the Government and different pharmaceuticals companies to create awareness about different drugs and shift Rx to OTC and thereby brand building has become more importance. A stronger brand image would also evoke customer loyalty towards the product and lead to better sales. As an example the brand image o... ... middle of paper ... ... a future where consumers may continue to reach — in the chill of night, in the haze of dawn, in the congestion of th (abc)e workday — for OTC medicines and products they trust and rely on. Bibliography CNBC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101218003 Consumer healtchcare products association. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chpa.org/FAQsSwitchPP.aspx Dolcera public wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dolcera.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rx_to_OTC_Switch-Market_Analysis Saha, P. G. (n.d.). Indian Otc Drug Market: Opportunities and Challenges. Global Research Analysis International , 3. Understanding trust in OTC medicines. United Nations office on drugs and crime. (n.d.). Retrieved from Misuse of drugs in South Asia: http://www.unodc.org/documents/southasia//reports/Misuse_of_Prescription_Drugs_-_A_South_Asia_Perspective_UNODC_2011.pdf

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